Nigerian Celebrities Born In July: Meet Stars Celebrating Their Birthdays This Month

July is a special month in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar. It is the birth month of some of the country’s biggest music stars, award-winning actors, comedians, gospel ministers and internationally celebrated entertainers who have shaped African pop culture.

From Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstars to Nollywood legends and social media sensations, these July-born celebrities have left an unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry both at home and abroad.

Whether through music, film, comedy or fashion, these stars continue to inspire millions of fans across the world.

Below are some of the most prominent Nigerian celebrities born in July.

1. Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s date of birth – July 2, 1991

No list of July-born Nigerian celebrities is complete without Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy.

Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Burna Boy rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing Like to Party. Since then, he has evolved into one of Africa’s biggest musical exports.

His unique fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and Afro-fusion has earned him global recognition.

His 2020 album Twice As Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, making him one of the few Nigerian artists to win the prestigious award.

Over the years, Burna Boy has sold out iconic venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, London Stadium and Paris La Défense Arena.

Some of his biggest songs include: Last Last, Ye, Anybody, Gbona, City Boys, On the Low, Common Person.

Naija News reports that beyond music, Burna Boy has become one of Africa’s most influential entertainers and cultural ambassadors.

2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

RMD date of birth: July 6, 1961

Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Nollywood history.

Born in Delta State, RMD began his career as a journalist before moving into acting and later politics.

He became one of Nollywood’s leading men during the 1990s and has remained relevant for over three decades.

Apart from acting, he served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State.

His impressive filmography includes: Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring, The Wedding Party, Castle & Castle, and Shanty Town.

Today, RMD remains one of Nigeria’s most respected actors and filmmakers.

3. Olu Jacobs

Olu Jacobs’ date of birth: July 11, 1942

Veteran actor Olu Jacobs is one of the founding fathers of modern Nollywood.

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions.

He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the country’s finest actors.

For over four decades, Jacobs has appeared in hundreds of films and television productions, earning numerous lifetime achievement awards.

He is married to legendary actress Joke Silva, making them one of Nollywood’s most celebrated couples.

4. Rita Dominic

Rita Dominic’s date of birth: July 12, 1975

Award-winning actress Rita Dominic is one of the most decorated actresses in Africa.

Born into the royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise in Imo State, she began acting as a child before becoming one of Nollywood’s biggest stars.

Her versatility has earned her several Africa Movie Academy Awards, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and international recognitions.

Some notable films include: The Meeting, 76, La Femme Anjola, Iyore, Light in the Dark.

In addition to acting, she is also a film producer and entrepreneur.

5. Wizkid

Wizkid’s date of birth: July 16, 1990

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, is one of Africa’s biggest music stars.

Naija News reports that the Lagos-born singer gained nationwide fame after releasing Holla at Your Boy under Empire Mates Entertainment.

His career has since reached extraordinary heights.

His collaboration with Drake on One Dance became a global number-one hit, while Essence featuring Tems became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.

In 2021, Wizkid won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl.

His biggest songs include: Ojuelegba, Essence, Joro, Fever, Come Closer, and Piece of My Heart.

Today, Wizkid remains one of the biggest names in global Afrobeats.

6. Kate Henshaw

Kate Henshaw’s date of birth: July 19, 1971

Kate Henshaw is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished actresses. She began acting in the early 1990s and has featured in over 200 films.

Beyond acting, she is a television personality, fitness enthusiast and social advocate.

Known for her discipline and youthful appearance, Kate continues to inspire millions of Nigerians.

Some of her notable films include: Stronger Than Pain, Broken Tears, The Meeting, and Chief Daddy.

7. Mr Eazi

Date of birth: July 19, 1991

Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, pioneered the Banku music genre, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions.

Born in Port Harcourt, he studied in Ghana before launching his music career.

Some of his biggest songs include: Leg Over, Pour Me Water, Skin Tight, Property and Hollup.

Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a successful entrepreneur and founder of emPawa Africa, a talent incubation platform that has supported emerging African musicians.

8. Frank Edwards

Frank Edwards’ date of birth: July 22, 1989

Frank Edwards is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel musicians.

A singer, songwriter, pianist and producer, he rose to prominence through inspirational worship songs.

Over the years, he has released numerous successful albums and collaborated with internationally renowned gospel artists.

Popular songs include: You Too Dey Bless Me, Under the Canopy, Mma Mma, Oghene Doh.

He is also the founder of Rocktown Records.

9. Emmanuella Samuel

Emmanuella’s date of birth: July 22, 2005

Emmanuella Samuel became one of Africa’s youngest comedy sensations after appearing in the Mark Angel Comedy series.

She gained international attention with viral comedy skits that amassed millions of views on YouTube and social media.

Despite starting as a child comedian, Emmanuella has evolved into an actress, content creator and influencer with fans across Africa and beyond.

She has received several awards, including recognition from Nickelodeon and other international organisations.

10. Jacob Banks

Date of birth: July 24, 1991

Born in Lagos before relocating to the United Kingdom, Jacob Banks is an internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter.

Known for his powerful baritone voice and soulful style, Banks has built a loyal global audience.

His music blends soul, R&B, alternative and gospel influences.

Popular projects include: Village, Chainsmoking, Mercy, and Unknown (To You)

He has performed at major music festivals around the world and collaborated with several international artists.

11. Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille’s date of birth: July 5, 1990

Johnny Drille has become one of Nigeria’s most distinctive singer-songwriters.

Signed to Mavin Records, he is known for his soulful voice, acoustic sound and heartfelt songwriting.

Before his breakthrough, he gained national attention after competing in Project Fame West Africa.

Some of his biggest songs include: Wait for Me, How Are You (My Friend), Believe Me, Romeo & Juliet and Count on You.

His emotionally rich music has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

A Month of Nigerian Entertainment Icons

Naija News observes that July has produced an extraordinary collection of Nigerian entertainers whose influence extends far beyond the country’s borders.

From Grammy winners like Burna Boy and Wizkid to Nollywood legends such as Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs and Rita Dominic, the month is home to some of the biggest names in African entertainment.

It also celebrates gospel excellence through Frank Edwards, comedy through Emmanuella, soulful music through Johnny Drille and Jacob Banks, and entrepreneurial success through Mr Eazi.

Together, these July-born stars continue to shape Nigeria’s creative industry, promote African culture globally and inspire the next generation of entertainers.